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The pursuit of excellence through the art of Japanese Archery or Kyudo - 'the way of the bow'. Over six years ago we posted a kyudo video which received many comments, most of which focused negatively on the master archer missing the target. For many people it is hard to seperate success from not hitting the target. In our new film, One Shot. One Life, one of the kyudo masters is very accurate... he simply never misses the target. Yet he states: "The techniques for facing and hitting the target are quite simple. I used to be a national team member, and at that time I had to hit the target no matter what, practicing until my hands turned black. Eventually all that technique became obsolete in exchange for the ability to express myself through the bow." In our film this master archer prepares for the extremely difficult 8th dan grading, whose pass rate is below 1%. But for all his ability to hit the target, can he pass this strict examination? We leave you with more quotes from our film that offer insight into the art of Japanese archery... "Even if we dedicate a lifetime, we will not be able to master it. If we keep this in our mind we can continue further. This is one of the things I was taught by my Sensei and I will not forget. I strive to practice everyday feeling like a beginner. My Sensei often said "when we face the target we are facing ourselves as a mirror". It is wrong if we do not face the target in this manner. Ultimately, no technique is left, no form is left, nothing but the archer's humanity remains. For the observer, this is very beautiful. It makes you feel admiration for that person's handling of the bow."

ONE SHOT. ONE LIFE. For release summer 2013. For more information visit www.emptymindfilms.com

Core Kyoto | NHK WORLD-JAPAN On Demand

〓 Gold leaf is just 0.1 micron thick, and almost translucent, but it has a lasting luster. Gilt craftsmen utilize its qualities to accent brocade, lacquerware, and Buddhist structures and statues. In the ancient court, a soft and muted finish was favored over glitter and gloss, and this cultivated a Kyoto aesthetic. Today tradition is a stepping stone to new art forms, while gold flakes embellish sake, coffee, and traditional sweets. Discover the gleaming appeal of gold leaf culture in Kyoto.